Tustin-based LightWorks Optics designs, manufactures and tests precision optical systems and components. The new order is in addition to two other Arrowhead contracts, bringing Lightworks' recent award total to $5.4 million, the company said. Arrowhead is the advanced electro-optical fire control system that Apache helicopter pilots will use for safe flight in day, night or bad weather missions.

The follow-on award relates to Lot IV production that will continue deliveries through 2008, the company said. LightWorks is currently in production on the previously-awarded Lots II and III and is implementing design improvements to enhance system quality and performance.

The technology of generating and harnessing light and other forms of radiant energy whose quantum unit is the photon. The science includes light emission, transmission, deflection, amplification and detection by optical components and instruments, lasers and other light sources, fiber optics, electro-optical instrumentation, related hardware and electronics, and sophisticated systems. The range of applications of photonics extends from energy generation to detection to communications and...